Rocky Crest Golf Resort: Where Families Relax Together

Eager families flock each summer to Rocky Crest Golf Resort on the shores of Lake Joseph, all seeking the same wonderful experience: time well spent together.

Plenty of getaway spots claim to have ‘something for everyone,’ but truer words were never spoken than about Rocky Crest Golf Resort. Located just a little further north and west than its sister ClubLink properties in Muskoka, this family-friendly retreat on 700 acres (including stunning shoreline) is a favourite of vacationers as soon as they arrive.

Something For Everyone – Literally

What stands out most when you stay at Rocky Crestis how well the resort meets the needs of individual guests – children and adults alike. The secret to its success? Tons of options to choose from with everything on offer.

If swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Joseph isn’t for you (even though the kids can’t be held back) then refresh yourself in the picturesque lakeside pool. The excited buzz from families jumping off docks and at the water park distracts you from the meditation or book reading you were hoping to do? Withdraw instead to the serene nature trails that loop the on-site Lake Armishaw (and rise 100 ft for a spectacular view of ‘Lake Joe’).

Want to leave the cooking to someone else? Then take advantage of three great restaurants on property during your entire stay. Or if you’d prefer to tote your own snacks, bring them along to keep in a one or two-bedroom suite equipped with a kitchenette.

However you envision time away with loved ones, Rocky Crest is likely to have everything you’ll need to make it a perfect vacation for the whole family.

Dockside Fun

Rocky Cresttakes full advantage of its breathtaking waterfront location, employing 25 dedicated recreation staff throughout the summer to ensure your family has fun in the water and around it. Guests have access to paddle boats (including mini-sizes for kids), canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The tiniest of your crew will delight in the pint-sized sandy beach located by the main dock. You can also book a guided canoe trip to nearby Blueberry Island, where staff will share local history and can arrange for a picnic lunch.

Always a big hit with kids, the inflatable water park features a 21′ high iceberg climber, a Saturn climber, trampolines, water slide and more. Hamer Bay Marine is steps away and offers boat rentals, optional overnight docking for Rocky Crest guests, and refreshing ice cream. Water-ski lessons can also be arranged at nearby Gordon Bay Marine.

The resort also has two beautiful pools, and lounge chairs are situated so you can relax and soak up the sun before cooling off in the water. Pontoon boat tours – a popular cottage country adventure – can also be booked ahead of time.

For early risers, start the day with fishing off the dock. The resort provides the equipment, and staff will hook the worms and teach your kids how to catch a big one (hopefully!). Excitement and pride will light up your kids’ faces as they reel in their catch, and the entire family will revel in this traditional summer-in-Muskoka activity.

Kids Camp staff provide fun and learning for children ages 0-12 (while adults head out to enjoy a round of golf, an afternoon revitalising at Beginnings Spa, or that highly coveted ‘alone time’).

Activities at Kids Camp include sandbox play, swimming, water park fun, outdoor games, scavenger hunt and golf lessons for junior campers. The sports club also has tennis and basketball courts for use.

When it is time to wind down from the day’s adventures, families can be found at the lakeside bonfire pit (stocked with marshmallows and sticks), where kids can roast a quintessential cottage country treat over the open fire.

Sunday evenings in summer are dedicated campfire nights at Rocky Crest Resort. From 7pm to 10pm, join other guests as a guitarist leads you all in classic campfire songs and stories.

Stay cozy by the fire and watch the first stars appear in the night sky above. (A second bonfire for adults will sometimes continue later into the night, for those who don’t want the conversation under the carpet of stars to end. Listen for the crackling wood back by the outdoor event tent.)

Time To Dine

Rocky Crest has three excellent restaurants, each with its own distinct offerings and atmosphere. The Bayside Lounge & Patio comes with expansive lake views and a large outdoor patio. Windows offers fine dining in a traditional Muskoka setting. (Be sure to watch the sun set through two walls of windows as you enjoy finer dining.)

On the Green restaurant (overlooking the spectacular 18th green at the adjacent golf course) is located inside the resort’s log and timber frame clubhouse. Casual dining here in an impressive setting is sure to please more than just the taste buds.

Speaking of Golf

Rocky Crest Golf Resort also boasts one of the best 18 hole coursesin Canada. Designed by Thomas McBroom to wind through the rugged and majestic landscape, the course was ranked 6th by Golfweek for modern Canadian courses. With designated tee times for resort guests and the ability to arrange your rounds when you call to book your stay, a chance to play at this incredible ClubLink property is one golf fans won’t want to miss.

Night Night Sleep Tight

One thing’s for certain: after a day of fun outdoors in the fresh Muskoka air, evenings are a welcomed time to retreat to your comfortable and well-appointed room.

Rocky Crest offers 65 newly-upgraded one and two-bedroom suites. All rooms include a kitchenette, fireplace, enclosed sun deck and a Jacuzzi tub. Upon arrival, a fire log and matches are waiting for you to light, so you can snuggle in and watch the sun set over beautiful Hamer Bay.

The resort also offers a selection of stunning, new villas. Featuring four bedrooms, full kitchen, towering stone fireplace and the classic Muskoka style, these elegant accommodations sleep up to ten guests and provide a genuine cottage experience (without having to actually own one).